Astrology of Today – Tuesday, April 4, 2017

The First Quarter Moon occurred yesterday and the Full Moon will occur on the 11th.

Mercury is in its pre-retrograde shadow (Mercury will be retrograde from April 9-May 3).

Venus is retrograde (Venus is retrograde from March 4-April 15).

Times are EDT.

Horoscopes

Aries

Restlessness can leave you feeling impatient today, dear Aries, unless you understand where it’s coming from. A big hint now is Mars, your ruler, in an awkward angle to Jupiter. While you appreciate quick and easy decisions, today’s energies can have you wondering what’s your next move, or you may struggle with weighing your options for far longer than feels comfortable. Mars is in a very secure and safe sector of your chart, encouraging you to build up your resources, enjoy them, and stick with what you know. Jupiter, on the other hand, stimulates your desire to share, interact, and compromise. Even minor differences can grow into big problems now with the mood you’re in. Try not to make assumptions prematurely, and attempt to tone things down. Clashes of values, desires, and plans can ripple through a relationship. Look for the middle ground.

Taurus

Mars in your sign has pumped you up recently, dear Taurus, and your love of independence can emerge strongly – at the best of times and worst of times! Even so, Jupiter in your sector of work and duties can frequently inspire you to get the job done, making it almost a certainty that there will be clashes between the two adamant drives from time to time. Today may be one of those days – you’ve been taking on more commitments lately, and these can interfere with your need to pursue personal plans. You could feel temporarily drained and lacking in direction or focus. Look for ways to mix things up in such a way that you feel energized and free at least some of the time but don’t entirely cut out opportunities to work and work out, as these can be very satisfying for you as well.

Gemini

There can be much enthusiasm for sharing yourself with others, dear Gemini, but also a real private streak these days, and you may find it a little difficult to integrate both needs in your life today. You can be directing much energy into dealing with endings or private matters and behind the scenes activities, yet you also crave more drama, romance, and general fun in your life. Whether or not to take a personal or creative risk may be a question now that doesn’t have an easy answer! Recent projects or endeavors may seem less doable with your special interest in or need for privacy, rest, and repose or recuperation, but this is temporary. The Moon’s move into your communications sector this evening is excellent for awakening your curiosity.

Cancer

It may not be the best day for making clear decisions, dear Cancer, but you’re in a good position to weigh your options. Keep in mind, however, that enthusiasm can be a little up and down now. This is due in large part to hesitation that seems to turn your attention to potential holes in your plans or areas that have not progressed as well or quickly as you’d expected. This can be a time when you’re torn between family or domesticity and your social life and outside activities. Should I stay or should I go? may be a hard-to-answer question for you today. You’ll be learning your limits now and in the next few days. The Moon spends much of the day in your sign and emotions continue to dominate, until this evening when practical matters begin to push through.

Leo

There is a tendency for exaggeration and overblown statements or expectations today, dear Leo. We’re just a little bit off the mark. There may be a question as to whether or not to put your energy into a particular project, and this can reemerge in the coming few days as well. While you are strongly motivated and competitive, you might also have some problems answering to authority right now. Even though you’d rather jump on opportunities, you may need to pace yourself and wait for true (or better) leads. The Moon spends much of the day in your privacy sector but then enters your sign this evening. There can be a rush of feelings to process now. You’ll be ready to make an impression and take the lead, but take things easy today.

Virgo

Mars in your sector of spirit and adventure these days encourages you to learn new things, reach out to new people, or gain new experiences, dear Virgo. The usual routine can feel stifling. Even so, Jupiter in your resources sector suggests a real desire to settle in, get comfortable, and enjoy secure surroundings. Of course, these two urges can get in the way of each other at times, and today may be one of those days. Watch for extravagance that’s meant to replace the excitement you’re craving. Look for a balance between freedom and comfort, even if it means cutting out or leaning down some activities. The Moon’s move into your privacy sector this evening is a monthly signal that you should take extra time for yourself to recharge your batteries on an emotional level now and in the next two days before the Moon moves into your sign and you begin a new lunar cycle.

Libra

This week, you may be attempting to push your boundaries a little, dear Libra, and you may not always know that you’re doing so. While this is something that likely needs to get done, you should nevertheless try to keep things real, at least from time to time, reminding yourself that keeping your feet on the ground can benefit even the loftiest of your dreams. Interactions with others can be overblown, with minor issues escalating quickly unless you see the pattern and nip it in the bud. The need to pace yourself and conserve your energy becomes apparent today, and this can be a continuing lesson in the next few days. You can be feeling energetic at times and exhausted at others.

Scorpio

The key to managing today, and in many ways this week, to your advantage is to quickly recognize where you may be pushing your limits, dear Scorpio. Overextension can be a real problem now. With Mars in your partnership sector these days, relationships are particularly lively or demanding. However, with Jupiter in your privacy sector, you have a strong need for and quite a bit of joy from spending time with yourself or escaping the daily grind. Of course, these energies are bound to clash at some point, and today can be one of those times. As difficult as this may seem, it’s best to make your boundaries clear – tactfully. With Venus still retrograde, this can be particularly tricky. Compromise is another option.

Sagittarius

Energetic Mars and your ruler, Jupiter, form an awkward angle today, dear Sagittarius, and timing can be a little off. Enthusiasm and motivation can be up and down. Mars in your work and health sector these days suggests pouring quite a bit of energy into getting your daily life and systems working well, but daily routines can be exhausting at times. As much as you’d like to further your goals, Jupiter in your social sector keeps calling you to have some fun, socialize, and network. Something may have to give, but a compromise might work as well. You may not need to “go hard” in both areas of life to feel satisfied, as much as it seems like you do. Energy and time are limited, of course, even if it seems that you can take on a lot right now.

Capricorn

Watch for making promises or commitments that are beyond your reach today, dear Capricorn. You can have all the right intentions, but the tendency today is to feel near invincible. After this burst of energy and drive subsides, you won’t appreciate that you’ve lined up more than you can handle. Be careful about sharing too much or exaggerating a matter, as well. Mars in your warm fifth house tends to infuse you with energy and motivation to have some fun, but if you go hard in your romantic or leisure time, you may feel that you’re missing out on opportunities to advance your goals. Responsibilities and recreation can seem mutually exclusive today, and in some ways, they certainly are, but finding a balance is possible. Alternatively, you may need to make concessions and adjustments so that you can divide your time between them without so much stress or pressure.

Aquarius

There can be a lot to do or get worked up about in your personal life, with family, and at home these days with Mars animating your sector of support systems, dear Aquarius. Jupiter, on the other hand, encourages you to reach out, move on, and mix things up so that you gain more life experience and enjoy new perspectives. Certainly, the drive to stay home and the craving to expand your horizons can clash at times, and today may very well be one of those periods. Minimize this conflict by avoiding taking on more commitments and activities. If you say yes to these things, this can be coming from a sense that you can do far more than is possible. With so much to do around the home or with family, it may be difficult to satisfy your desire to escape, but if you get creative, you may find ways to fill both drives.

Pisces

You can feel quite a bit of pressure to do more than time or energy allow today, dear Pisces. Scattering excess energy is not the answer as none of your interests or ventures will prosper if you do so. Aim to come to a balance instead. Restlessness is the result of a clash between Mars in your communications sector and Jupiter in your intimacy sector. You may not know whether to go hard or easy with people or current endeavors. A part of you is simply curious and wants to skim the surface of matters, keeping things light and easy, and another part thoroughly enjoys the intensity and seeks out projects or people that ignite your passion. It may seem you need to choose between the two, but a balance may just be possible if you try hard enough.

*Remember to read horoscopes for your Ascendant sign and Sun sign. If you don’t know your Ascendant sign and know your birth time, you can look it up here.

Astrology of Today – The Details:

If you’re astrologically inclined and interested in the details of the Astrology of today, here are some of the factors considered in the forecasts (for the astrology of the week, see This Week in Astrology):

Date & Time: Apr 4 2017 6:13 pm
Event: Moon enters Leo
Description: The Moon in Leo
We have a stronger need for appreciation, shows of affection and warmth, and excitement. We are proud and conduct ourselves accordingly. This is a time for having some fun, being creative and childlike, and enjoying life. It’s also a good time for organizing and managing.

Date & Time: Apr 4 2017 5:38 am
Event: Tr-Tr Mon Cnj Ves
Description: Transiting Moon Conjunction Transiting Vesta
We are a little serious or stiff in self-expression at this time. We are more able to make sacrifices or put our emotions aside in order to get something important done. This can be a good time to commit fully to something – especially health and healing matters.

Date & Time: Apr 4 2017 7:30 am
Event: Tr-Tr Mon Sqr Ura
Description: Transiting Moon Square Transiting Uranus
There may be sudden, minor changes to plans, schedules. There can be rebelliousness and tension. Aim to be open to possibilities, and avoid making permanent decisions.

Date & Time: Apr 4 2017 11:02 am
Event: Tr-Tr Mon Tri Chi
Description: Transiting Moon Trine Transiting Chiron
There can be new or easy understanding of our feelings and impressions now. We have a greater understanding of, or compassion for, others’ plights. We are more emotionally present and involved. Synchronicity is a feature of our daily life right now. Tune in and enjoy the spiritual signposts.

Date & Time: Apr 4 2017 2:19 pm
Event: Tr-Tr Mon Qnx Sat
Description: Transiting Moon Quincunx Transiting Saturn
This is a brief period of uncertainty, guilt, fear of not performing well, fear of rejection, a feeling that others will not support or fulfill our needs/desires, or a sense that something can’t be achieved. Patience is a virtue right now. Otherwise we might succumb to feelings of frustration and sadness. All good things come to those who wait.

Date & Time: Apr 4 2017 2:34 pm
Event: Tr-Tr Mon Sqq Nep
Description: Transiting Moon SesquiSquare Transiting Neptune
If we are not in touch with our need for inspiration, beauty, compassion, connection to something otherworldly, or our spirituality, we could feel out of sorts right now. Relaxing, listening to music, getting close to nature, or taking a break may resolve this.

Date & Time: Apr 4 2017 6:13 pm
Event: Tr-Tr Mon Cnj Leo
Description: Transiting Moon Entering Leo
We have a stronger need for appreciation, shows of affection and warmth, and excitement. We are proud and conduct ourselves accordingly. This is a time for having some fun, being creative and childlike, and enjoying life. It’s also a good time for organizing and managing.

Date & Time: Apr 4 2017 3:25 pm
Event: Tr-Tr Sun Sqr Jun
Description: Transiting Sun Square Transiting Juno
Relating suffers if we don’t treat one another as equals. There can be temptations to manipulate in order to get our way. There can be jealousy or lack of trust that interferes with healthy interactions. Conceding may feel as if we are giving up something of ourselves.

AIR WEAK
We may have a difficult time being objective or detached. We may not be especially communicative.

BALANCE OF MODES

CARDINAL STRONG
We are ready to take action and to take on challenges, and can become frustrated with stagnant conditions.

LUNAR PHASE: FIRST QUARTER
Moon from 90 to 135 degrees ahead of the Sun.
We are motivated to take action, perhaps due to a clash, conflict, or stress, as we are more aware of problems and differences now. Plans are beginning to take off or turn a corner. We should watch for pushing too hard.

The following aspects (major only) and positions are at noon (EDT) on April 4th:

Note that when an aspect is applying, it has not yet happened but is within orb – it’s pending. When an aspect is separating, it has already happened/perfected and is moving away from the aspect. Depending on the speed of the planet/body involved, the aspect will have perfected, or will perfect, in a matter of hours (often the case with the Moon), days, months, and possibly years in the case of the very slow-moving outer planets and bodies.

Note that the Moon moves at a rate of approximately one degree every 2 hours, so that if an aspect involving the Moon is applying and has an orb of 5 degrees, the aspect will perfect (be exact) in about 10 hours. If the Moon is separating from an aspect with an orb of 2 degrees, it has already formed said aspect approximately 4 hours ago (since the following are positions at noon today, then it would have occurred at about 8 AM today).

**I suggest paying close attention to applying aspects. The energy of the aspect builds as it gets closer to exact. Once an aspect involving inner planets has happened, it’s over. Separating aspects are good to know for context, but in terms of energy that is with us today, applying aspects are most important. (This is the case for daily astrology influences involving inner planets, which pass quickly, and not natal astrology aspects, which are with us for a lifetime).

THE MOON

THE MOON IN CANCER
You need nurturing. Under stress you may want to retire to the comfort of your home. You will form a strong bond with your mother. You may have difficulty in breaking away from home later in life.

27TH DEGREE OF CANCER
Part of Body: Nipples
Sabian Symbol: A furious storm rages through a residential canyon.

ASPECTS OF THE MOON
SQUARE MERCURY Orb 6°47′ Applying
It’s difficult to make decisions now as emotional needs and wants tend to conflict with what we feel are the most logical choices. Judgment may be skewed by emotions or personal bias.

TRINE VENUS Orb 2°47′ Applying
We tend to seek out harmony, balance, and beauty. Love, romance, decorating, beauty treatments, the arts, creative pursuits, parties, dates, and recreation are generally favored now. There is increased sensitivity, affection, and warmth, but there could also be some appeasement, tact, and diplomacy.

QUINCUNX SATURN Orb 1°19′ Applying
This is a brief period of uncertainty, guilt, fear of not performing well or of rejection, a feeling that others will not support or fulfill our needs/desires, or a sense that something can’t be achieved.

SQUARE URANUS Orb 2°33′ Separating
There may be sudden, minor changes to plans, schedules. There can be rebelliousness and tension. Aim to be open to possibilities, and avoid making permanent decisions.

TRINE CHIRON Orb 0°32′ Separating
There can be new or easy understanding of our feelings and impressions now. We have a greater understanding of, or compassion for, others’ problems. We are more emotionally present and involved.

THE SUN

THE SUN IN ARIES
You are an assertive and freedom-loving individual. You have a strong need for independence, and may tend to display self-concern assertively.

16TH DEGREE OF ARIES
Part of Body: Pons
Sabian Symbol: Dancing in the setting sun.

ASPECTS OF THE SUN
OPPOSITION JUPITER Orb 3°35′ Applying
You are restless and find it difficult to settle in one place. Your larger-than-life ideals stand in the way of you achieving your goals. Your challenge is to find a balance between stability and adventure. Then you will be able to reach all your goals.

CONJUNCTION URANUS Orb 8°50′ Applying
You are a rebel but also a leader. You are innovative and original. Others may see you as arrogant, wilful and disruptive at times. Life will be full of surprises. Politics, science or computing appeal to you.

SQUARE PLUTO Orb 4°15′ Applying
We may be tempted to control or manipulate events and people, and can have difficulty reaching a compromise. We might need to reevaluate expectations, face our fears, manage power struggles, and deal with urges to control others and situations.

MERCURY

MERCURY IN TAURUS
You place importance on traditional knowledge. You learn in a slow, methodical and hands-on manner. You stick to old ideas and may fear having to learn anything new.

4TH DEGREE OF TAURUS
Part of Body: Uvula
Sabian Symbol: The rainbow’s pot of gold.

ASPECTS OF MERCURY
TRINE SATURN Orb 5°27′ Separating
We are cautious, careful, tuned in to details, and rely on common sense at this time.

VENUS

VENUS IN PISCES
You yearn to merge and be at-one with your partner. In fact you want to be at-one with the universe. You also enjoy sharing inspirational activities with your partner, ranging from listening to beautiful music to visiting an art gallery.

30TH DEGREE OF PISCES
Part of Body: Toenails of left foot
Sabian Symbol: The great stone face (being the projection of an ideal).

ASPECTS OF VENUS
SQUARE SATURN Orb 1°27′ Applying
Lack of spontaneity when it comes to expressions of affection and the pursuit of pleasure, likely due to insecurities or fear. We may be reserved, withdrawn, cautious, and tight with money and/or feelings. Feelings of being alone and not getting what we want/need can be experienced now.

CONJUNCTION CHIRON Orb 3°19′ Applying
You have a childlike innocence in your personal relationships, which makes you vulnerable to emotional pain. You fear commitment and rejection. You may experience pain in early relationships, but this pain is usually healed giving you insight and wisdom in later personal relationships. You see the beauty in people who have been cast aside by others, and develop the ability to be a teacher or healer in intimate relationships.

MARS

MARS IN TAURUS
You have strong personal desires, although you will usually follow a reliable course of action in attaining those desires. You are stubborn if opposed.

19TH DEGREE OF TAURUS
Part of Body: Maxillary artery
Sabian Symbol: A new continent rises out of the ocean.

ASPECTS OF MARS
QUINCUNX JUPITER Orb 0°22′ Applying
Your energy may be misdirected and you will need, at times, to adjust the way you approach other people and their problems.

TRINE PLUTO Orb 1°02′ Applying
Ambitions and determination increase to pursue our goals. It’s easier to see what we want and to devise a plan to pursue it. We may be focusing on redoing or reworking something from the ground up.

JUPITER

JUPITER IN LIBRA
You have a strong concern for justice. You are a diplomatic teacher, and express your spiritual values in your relationships.

19TH DEGREE OF LIBRA
Part of Body: Calyx major
Sabian Symbol: A gang of robbers in hiding.

ASPECTS OF JUPITER
OPPOSITION URANUS Orb 5°14′ Separating
You are keen to change things in this world as you see no reason to continue with the old traditions. You speak out against injustice, but may lack the patience and persistence to see through the changes.

SQUARE PLUTO Orb 0°40′ Separating
You will need to learn to have confidence in yourself even when life deals you a few blows. You range from over confident to completely lacking in confidence. The truth lies somewhere in between.

SATURN

SATURN IN SAGITTARIUS
Saturn in Sagittarius asks us to take on the responsibility of living according to our personal truths and principles, and to be loyal to these. This is a time for turning a critical eye to those beliefs and principles that don’t accurately reflect our authentic selves. (December 23, 2014, to June 14, 2015, then September 17, 2015, to December 20, 2017)

28TH DEGREE OF SAGITTARIUS
Part of Body: Right leg muscles
Sabian Symbol: An old bridge over a beautiful stream.

ASPECTS OF SATURN
TRINE URANUS Orb 3°52′ Applying
You have a talent for investigation. You look at new ideas and are able then to put them into action. In business you achieve much in your own independent way.

SQUARE CHIRON Orb 1°52′ Applying
There can be fears now of not being competent or effective enough to meet our responsibilities, or we could find it hard to strike out on a unique path, again due to fears or insecurities. The desire to break from the status quo is strong, but we may not have the necessary confidence to do so. We may have difficulties empathizing with others and understanding ourselves.

URANUS

URANUS IN ARIES
The urge to start fresh, to break free from restrictive attitudes or circumstances, to totally redesign an area of our lives (or even our personalities), and to gain freedom through independence is strong during this cycle. (May 27, 2010, to August 13, 2010, then March 11th, 2011, to May 15, 2018, then November 6, 2018, to March 6, 2019).

24TH DEGREE OF ARIES
Part of Body: Zygomatic muscle
Sabian Symbol: An open window and a net curtain blowing into a cornucopia.

ASPECTS OF URANUS
SQUARE PLUTO Orb 4°34′ Separating
A time for making sweeping changes and for adapting to changes in order to progress. This is a time for revising, altering, overhauling, and purging. We can experience tension, fear, and pressure, but also a sense of liberation from over-attachments and situations that have been holding us back from growth.

NEPTUNE

NEPTUNE IN PISCES
A long-term influence in which fantasy, imagination, compassion, and spirituality are in stronger focus. (April 4, 2011, to August 4, 2011, then February 3, 2012, to March 30, 2025, then October 22, 2025, to January 26, 2026)

13TH DEGREE OF PISCES
Part of Body: Plantar artery of left foot
Sabian Symbol: A sword in a museum.

PLUTO

PLUTO IN CAPRICORN
Tests of our boundaries; breaking down and rebuilding structures and rules. (From January 25, 2008, to June 14, 2008, then November 26, 2008, to March 23, 2023, then June 11, 2023, to January 20, 2024, then September 1, 2024, to November 19, 2024).

20TH DEGREE OF CAPRICORN
Part of Body: Tendons of right knee
Sabian Symbol: A hidden choir singing.

Chiron, Major Asteroids, and Moon’s Nodes: in Sign and in Aspect

CHIRON

CHIRON IN PISCES

Strong awareness of our own vulnerabilities and humanity stimulates compassion for others. (April 20 to July 20, 2010, then February 8, 2011, to April 17, 2018, then September 25, 2018, to February 18, 2019).

26TH DEGREE OF PISCES
Part of Body: Plantar nerves
Sabian Symbol: A new moon that divides its influences.

VESTA

VESTA IN CANCER

You are committed to your family and loved ones, especially when they need you. However, you may withdraw like a crab into your shell if you feel hurt by those closest to you. You enjoy working with those close to you.

PALLAS IN ARIES
You have a keen intellect with the ability to come up with exciting, new ideas. You are also happy to risk putting your new ideas into action.

2ND DEGREE OF ARIES
Part of Body: Midbrain
Sabian Symbol: A comedian entertaining the group.

JUNO

JUNO IN CAPRICORN
You want a partner who you can respect, and who respects you. You seek long-term commitment and may marry later in life.

16TH DEGREE OF CAPRICORN
Part of Body: Condyle of right tibia
Sabian Symbol: Boys and girls in gymnasium suits.

CERES

CERES IN TAURUS
You feel cared for when loved ones give you a sense of stability and security. You like to be touched and stroked and nurtured in practical ways. You also like to show others you care through practical means.

21ST DEGREE OF TAURUS
Part of Body: Arteries of nasal cavities
Sabian Symbol: Moving finger points to significant passages in a book.

THE NORTH NODE

THE NORTH NODE IN VIRGO

This is a quest to become dedicated to the service of others. You will need to overcome the tendency to daydream and feel overwhelmed and to put your compassion and wisdom to practical use for humanity.

This is a quest to become dedicated to the service of others. You will need to overcome the tendency to daydream and feel overwhelmed and to put your compassion and wisdom to practical use for humanity.

3RD DEGREE OF PISCES
Part of Body: Nerves of right foot
Sabian Symbol: A petrified forest.